National Adult Literacy Database

May 27, 2002

This week, we are launching nine stories written by students from Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a special event, you can read some of the stories as well as hear them, with the audio player. The following stories were written by members of the Learner Speakers' Bureau, coordinated by Literacy Partners of Manitoba. These learners participate in different programs in the Winnipeg area. The stories from this year's Learner Speakers' Bureau graduates will be unveiled at the Winnipeg Learner Conference on May 29, 2002.

Note : The text versions that follow do not always match the audio version, because some people preferred to update their stories after the recordings.

 

Play an audio version of this story

Lorna Barley's Story

by Lorna Barley

Did you know that in Manitoba there are 1 out of 6 who have low literacy skills. I'm one of those people with low literacy skills. For years I tried to hide the fact I had problems reading and doing math. When your young you look at education as a joke. Then when you are out in the real world on your own, life isn't so easy without a education to help you threw life. I have raised three wonderful children on my own. When my children were young and going to school there were times they needed my help in their home work like reading, spelling. I found it to be hard for I couldn't understand a lot of the big words. Know I have grandchildren and more than anything I'd love to be able to read to them and not feel like a failure.

Three years ago I took a stand to do something for myself, and that was to go back to school and get my education. And I did, I phoned the Open Doors Literacy Program at King Edward School. Margaret Banasiak who is my teacher and a friend helped me to get into the program.

I'm doing good and I enjoy it a great deal. It was the right move I made for myself after years of feeling like a failure. I've come along ways in my education and I plan on going further in my education.

I hope that a lot more people will get in touch with one of the literacy programs to find out more information on the programs.

Please put one foot forward on getting your education

The Learn Line 947-5757.